| With obesity and health problems on the rise, | | | | be selling organic wine. Instead, they claim to be |
| we've all started taking a closer look at what we | | | | selling wine "made from organic grapes" or some |
| eat. For instance, if pesticides kill bugs, they can't | | | | similar language. Many buyers just assumes this |
| be too good for us either. This goes for the | | | | means that the wine is organic, but clearly the |
| wines we drink as well, which brings us to the | | | | wineries have not found a way around the |
| subject of organic wine. | | | | preservative problem. |
| In the last year, I've heard more than a few | | | | You might also be wondering what "organically |
| people carry on about the merits of organic wine. | | | | grown grapes" are. Aren't all grapes organic? Yes, |
| Personally, I prefer organic food because the idea | | | | but most wineries probably are referring to the |
| of consuming lots of chemicals through one's food | | | | growing conditions. Organic grapes would |
| is not particularly appealing. I even happen to be a | | | | undoubtedly be grown without using artificial |
| vegetarian to give you some perspective. That | | | | chemical fertilizers for instance. Yes, it is a fine line |
| being said, I have a few pointed concerns | | | | to draw in the sand. |
| regarding organic wine. | | | | Ultimately, the classification of whether an "organic |
| First off, you should understand there is no | | | | wine" is worth anything from the organic |
| organic wine that lasts more than a month or so | | | | perspective is a matter of where you draw a line |
| that I am aware of. The reason has to do with | | | | in the sand. For instance, some vegetarians will |
| preservation. To preserve a wine, a chemical | | | | not eat anything from an animal including milk, |
| compound has to be used. Most wineries go with | | | | cheese and so on. Others are okay with animal |
| sulphur dioxide variations. This is not an organic | | | | products as long as they are not meat. Who is |
| substance, so the wine is not organic per se. | | | | right? It is a personal choice. |
| While browsing through my local wine shop, I've | | | | The same personal choice seems necessary with |
| been taking close looks at the wine vintages | | | | organic wine. It is clearly not one hundred percent |
| claiming to be organic. In truth, my criticism of | | | | organic. Is it organic enough for you? Only you |
| them is misplaced. Not a single winery claimed to | | | | can decide. |